Walk in the Light

March 26, 2023

March 26th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 37-39

Highlight Verse:

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maybe it was the exclamation points. Maybe it was the three direct commands in a row.

Either way, this verse practically leapt from the page to my eyes.

Maybe it’s because it is so important. Anger is so common in our society. From the rages of dissatisfied customers and road rage to full on assaults and murders – anger is a plague that affects everyone.

Civility is increasingly hard to find.

What if we stopped and thought it through before we acted rudely? What if we realized that driving from one place to another is not a race or a conquest? What if we used calming words instead of words that added fuel to the fire of rage?

Today’s verse makes it sound simple but, if we’re honest,

it takes planning and effort to calm the rages in ourselves and others.

But, it’s an effort well worth it.

Do you have anger that you need to make an effort to calm?
Do you need to learn what words will calm others?
(Me too).
March 25, 2023

March 25th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Song of Songs 2:11-13

“Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!””
‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I noticed bird song the other morning as I was scraping ice and snow off my work truck.

But today I will be grilling – in 40 degree weather.

Yup, this is early spring in Colorado. But, the seasons are changing.

Today’s passage reminds us of the new life that abounds in spring.

As you see the flowers bloom and hear the birds sing, remember that God brings new life every day. Whether that means renewed romance with your spouse, a deeper joy as you see life spring up, or a renewed walk with God as you are reminded of all the renewal around you, let this spring season bring you new life.

What signs of spring have you noticed so far?
What is it that you appreciate the most about spring?
March 24, 2023

March 24th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 34-36

Highlight Verse:

“And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon seems almost miraculous. Instead of demolishing the amazing cliff faces to notch a roadway through, the builders raised the road from the canyon floor in a nearly continuous line of bridges and tunnels to provide a smooth, efficient ride through incredible scenery.

The term “highway” in today’s reading literally means a raised path.

In this chapter about the coming of the Messiah,

God provides a raised path of salvation

through the Messiah’s sacrifice. The redeemed are those who are able to walk that highway that rises above this life and gives us a clear path ahead to eternity.

Toward the end of chapter 35 we find the redeemed of the Lord rejoicing!

If you have found redemption from your sin, you know that rejoicing. When you see others join the road, the rejoicing multiplies!

There may be curves on your road, but if you are on the redemption highway, you can rejoice that you don’t have to live in the condemnation of sin but travel a path raised free of the barriers of sin.

How has God raised your path?
Have you found the joy of the redemption road?
March 23, 2023

March 23rd, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Romans 12

Highlight Verse:

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There’s so many verses I could have chosen today! This one stands out as one I need to hear over and over again.

The Roman believers lived at the center of civilization at that time. It would have been easy for them to think of the rest of the world as backwards. Paul writes to them before he even visited Rome so they are pioneering believers.

They had reason to be proud.

I was raised going to church. I’ve never been away from the church in one way or another for more than a couple weeks in my life. I have to fight against religious pride in me.

Notice Paul doesn’t say to think of yourselves as worms. Just be honest.

If we’re honest and we trust Christ for our salvation, we are pure and righteous. But we owe all that to Jesus alone. We cannot take any credit no matter how good of a life we live.

We are not lowly, but we cannot take pride in that.

That’s a pretty sweet spot but one that’s hard to remember.

Do you have a low opinion of yourself?
Are you, like me, a bit too prideful?
Have you looked at yourself through Jesus’ eyes?
March 22, 2023

March 22nd, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

Way over half.

I know, God wanted a smaller army. Even smaller than the ten thousand remaining.

But – over half?

This might be why the Israelites were so oppressed. There seemed to be quite a lack of courage.

But, do we have any more courage?

I’m not talking about our military. I don’t doubt their courage.

Do we have the courage to defend our faith?

Do we back down when attacked by those who would suppress us?

I am struggling not to sound political here. Politics could use a little faith and courage. But I’m talking about not being shy about our faith.

It’s worth noting that Gideon’s brave warriors who went into the battle did so be specifically following God’s peculiar instructions.

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What does it mean to be courageous in the context of your faith?
What are ways that you have been loving and bold about your faith?
What is your next step in living your faith out loud?
March 21, 2023

March 21st, 2023

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 19-20

Highlight Verses:

““My Lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.” “Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.” But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What if Lot hadn’t insisted that the two stay at his house?

I honestly believe the angels would have been fine. They’re angels. They protected Lot when the townspeople came to abuse them.

I don’t think Lot and his family would have survived.

Lot demonstrated righteousness when he tried to protect the angels. Had he not done that, I think the angels would have let him die with the rest of Sodom.

Think about that. With unselfish motives, Lot actually saved himself and his family.

Here’s the catch for us. Selfless acts aren’t really selfless if we do them with the selfish motive of winning God’s favor. In other words, the selfless act cannot make up for the selfish act.

Here’s how I would sum it up.

Do selfless acts out of love for God and your fellow humans, not because of some side benefit you would get from the act.

Besides, salvation for us is not dependent upon what we do but on what God already did for us and our acceptance of that.

What motivates you to perform selfless acts?
What do you do to make sure they are truly selfless?
March 20, 2023

March 20th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 13

Highlight Verse:

“Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We know that God loved the whole world so much that He sent his only son to die for us. But this is different.

Jesus, God the Son, specifically loved his disciples.

Keep in mind that this is an eye witness account from John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (Verse 23).

John witnessed firsthand Jesus taking the position of a servant and washing each of the disciples feet.

John witnessed Jesus graciously allowing Judah to betray him.

John witnessed Jesus predicting Peter’s denial and, later, Jesus restoring Peter.

Jesus really did show amazing care and love for His closest friends at a time when they should have been showing that love to him.

Jesus set an example for how we should love those closest to us. We would do well to follow that example.

How do you show love to your closest friends?
Is there more you should be doing or saying?
Are there those who should be restored to relationship with you like Peter?
March 19, 2023

March 19th, 2023

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 33-36

Highlight Verse:

“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I can’t tell you how many times I have been at my wit’s end. I could see no way out. I didn’t know how I could go on.

But God did.

Every single time, when all the doors were shut tight, padlocked and barred, God opened an escape hatch. Sometimes I had to do some crawling or some climbing but I got through every time.

I think that’s where David is coming from in this verse. He saw God come through so many times, even before he became king, that he automatically knew he would be alright.

And he was.

God’s timing might not be my preferred timing. His answer might not be my preferred answer, but I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, He will always pull me through.

What situations have you seen God pull you through?
Is it getting easier for you to trust Him after each rough patch?
March 18, 2023

March 18th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading –

““Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Okay everyone, who loves snakes, raise your hand.

Not too many hands going up, are there?

I’m going to go against most commentaries here. They say we have something to learn from the evil wisdom of snakes.

I don’t know about that, but I do know what a snake’s best defense is.

Invisibility.

Snakes blend into their environments. If you don’t believe me, go to the reptile house at any zoo and see how long it takes you to find all the snakes.

This verse is part of Jesus’ pep-talk to his disciples when He sent them out to spread the gospel.

Is He telling them to hide?

In context, we find out that the disciples are told to bring the Gospel to the families who will listen, and to not waste time sharing with people who reject the message.

In other words, don’t be obnoxious when you share the Gospel.

If people don’t want to hear about it, respect them and their wishes. That will go a lot farther toward bringing people to God than speaking an unwanted message.

Do you listen to people with whom you share the Gospel?
Do you show them respect by not trying to force Jesus on them?
Have you found other ways to spread the Word about salvation?
March 17, 2023

March 17th, 2023
Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 31-33

Highlight Verse:

“The people of Israel will no longer say, “We are sick and helpless,” for the Lord will forgive their sins.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬

Is it a stretch to say that living in sin will lead to illness?

Maybe, but I believe that forgiveness leads to healing –
- Healing from spiritual emptiness.
- Healing from the stress of guilt.
- Healing from illness or injury.
Yes, I believe that healing extends to the physical. Some would say that’s only a side affect of the psychological healing. I’m sure that’s partially true.

I’m also sure that God brings about physical healing as a direct result of trusting Him for salvation.

Jesus and the Apostles often saw physical healing go hand in hand with salvation.

I’ve seen physical healings happen alongside salvation, sometimes leading up to salvation, sometimes following it.

I’ve also seen illness come as someone has turned away from faith.

I am far from the “Name it and claim it” theology of some and do not believe that salvation always brings healing to those who have physical conditions. I also do not believe that people don’t get healed because they lack faith.

I’m just saying that sometimes, forgiveness of sin comes at the same time as healing.

It is real.

While I don’t understand all the hows and whys, I understand that God delights in healing people and does so whenever it is the right thing in His wisdom.

Have you ever experienced healing?
Was it physical, spiritual, or emotional?
Did it come at the same time as forgiveness?

Civility is increasingly hard to find.

it takes planning and effort to calm the rages in ourselves and others.

Today’s passage reminds us of the new life that abounds in spring.

The term “highway” in today’s reading literally means a raised path.

God provides a raised path of salvation

They had reason to be proud.

Notice Paul doesn’t say to think of yourselves as worms. Just be honest.

We are not lowly, but we cannot take pride in that.

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

But, do we have any more courage?

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What if Lot hadn’t insisted that the two stay at his house?

I don’t think Lot and his family would have survived.

Do selfless acts out of love for God and your fellow humans, not because of some side benefit you would get from the act.

Jesus, God the Son, specifically loved his disciples.

Jesus set an example for how we should love those closest to us. We would do well to follow that example.

But God did.

And he was.

Okay everyone, who loves snakes, raise your hand.

Invisibility.

In other words, don’t be obnoxious when you share the Gospel.

Maybe, but I believe that forgiveness leads to healing –

It is real.